Issue

20/2015 6 August 15

ERUFC gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the following Club Sponsors for Season 2015.

Principal Sponsors 2015

DOVAGATE

More players needed please contact womens@elthamrugby.com.au

Eltham v

Cerberus

Eltham vs Kiwi

Hawthorne

Senior Semi Finals this Saturday 10 August - Please support our teams!!

12:30pm

Superb conduct of gentlemen at under 16 game. See Page 5

Best wishes to Julien

Nair for a speedy

recovery

Tickets $60 from bar, limited numbers

Junior End of Season

Celebrations

Saturday 19

September

Children 4– 12yrs

From midday, with fun

on-field activities

Under 14 & 16 Teams Dinner at 6:30pm

Under 18 Team

tba

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown Under 6s at Moorabbin & Senior Semi Final Schedule

The Under 6 Team supervised by Russell and Cath Hurdle had a great run out at Moorabbin last Saturday!

U20’s and Junior Gold Cup Trials have been confirmed: Venue: Northerns RUC

Melbourne Rebels U20’s trials Sunday 27 September 2015.

Melbourne Rebels Junior Gold Cup trials:

U15’s on the 10 October and U17’s on the 11 October 2015

http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/community/elite-programs/junior-gold-cup

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown Under 12 win at home against Box Hill

Photos Andy Brown

Eltham 15 vs. 0 Box Hill Bridge Street Eltham Sat 1 August 15 Wow what a performance from our Under 12s—cool and disciplined under pressure, these 10 and 11 year olds showed tremendous maturity with their rugby last Saturday. Keep up the good work as finals approach and you could have a very exciting close to Season 2015. Ange

Eltham U12s are currently in 3rd position on their competition ladder!

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown Under 14s 17 vs. 36 Southern Districts

Photos: Jess Shaw

Eltham 17 vs 36 Southern Districts Bridge Street, Eltham Sat 1 Aug 15 Eltham 14s took on 2nd placed team Southerns in the Eltham ooze and demonstrated the clear potential of the home team. Well played guys. Ange

From the Coaches Box

It is often said that “rugby is a thugs game played by gentlemen”. Caring and courteous conduct was evident in the Under 16 game on Saturday between Eltham and Wyndham City.

The game was very tough and physical from the kick off. There were some bruising tackles and strong runs with neither side taking a backwards step.

The game continued in this manner until about halfway through the second half when after a ruck when one of the Eltham boys lay motionless on the ground.

The referee stopped the game immediately and our medical support crew went straight into action.

It was clear that the player had sustained a serious injury.

As both teams were standing in their separate huddles what happened next was both awe inspiring and showed the difference between rugby and other sports.

The young lads from Wyndham called the Eltham boys over

and invited them to join their huddle; all the boys then knelt and joined in a prayer circle to say a quiet word for the injured player.

At the completion of the prayer circle all the Wyndham boys came over and wished our injured player, who was still on the ground, a speedy recovery.

The player was later cleared of any serious neck injury but will miss the next few weeks with a concussion.

To see such respect and compassion from a group of young men was amazing. These young men were a credit to their team, their club, the game but most of all themselves.

Bully

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown In Union, Eltham and Wyndham Under 16s

Spinal Injuries: Signs and symptoms of spinal injuries may include pain or discomfort in the neck or back region, altered sensation, movement or strength in the limbs or trunk, irregular bumps on the neck or back and slow pulse. If the patient is not fully conscious for any reason, it is safer to assume they may have a spinal injury and be cautious.

To manage spinal injuries if the patient is responsive, conduct a primary survey and call triple zero; keep the patient still and reassure them; minimise any movement of the head and spinal column; monitor the patient's vital signs; maintain body temperature and manage any other injuries.

Concussion: If the casualty is responsive, keep them still and reassure them,

continually monitor their vital signs, call triple zero and seek urgent

medical assistance.

If the casualty is unresponsive summon assistance to call triple zero

immediately and check if the patient is breathing. If not breathing check

the airway and perform CPR, irrespective of other injuries. When

breathing independently monitor vital signs and airway, minimise

movement and maintain body temperature until medical assistance

arrives.

Concussion guidelines: Concussed players may only return to rugby training with a doctors certificate. Training is gradual, and must be stepped back if symptoms of concussion occur. Players must be symptom free for at least 21 days when they resume playing rugby.

Symptoms of Concussion a period of unresponsiveness headache nausea and vomiting vision problems numbness and/or tingling paralysis convulsions a discharge of fluid from ears, nose or mouth bruising around the eyes bleeding into the white of the eyes.

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown Under 16: Eltham vs Wyndham City

Eltham 16s 0 v 24 Wyndham City

Bridge Street, Eltham

1 August 2015

On a cold Saturday morning the Under 16 boys were at home against the undefeated Wyndham for the second time this season.

The ever improving Eltham boys started the game with same vigour as the last few weeks.

The game went back and forward for the first few minutes when Wyndham scooped up a loose ball and scored out wide.

The next 20 minutes turned into an arm wrestle with neither team willing to give an inch.

This was probably the greatest defensive effort the boys have displayed all year with some bruising tackles and some good clean out work. We were also starting to make some inroads in attack with some big runs and great support play.

The final 5 minutes of the half saw Wyndham cross for 2 tries and went into half time 19-0 in front.

Shortly after half time Wyndham crossed for their bonus point try and went to a 24-0 lead.

From the kick off the boys picked up their defensive effort and the arm wrestle continued.

About half way through the second half the Eltham boys were

beginning to build momentum in attack and were starting to make inroads into the Wyndham defence.

After several minutes of sustained attack the moment came that nobody ever wants to happen in a game of rugby.

After a ruck dispersed Julien laid motionless on the ground.

The referee stopped play and our ever vigilant medical crew sprang into action.

As it was suspected that Julien had sustained a neck injury the referee called the game off while we waited for the Ambulance to arrive.

The Ambo’s gave Julien an all clear on a serious neck injury but he had suffered a concussion. He is hoping to make a full recovery in just a few weeks.

Bully

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown Bs off to Semi Final after a win against Melbourne RUC

Eltham Senior B 30 vs. 15 Melbourne RUC HG Smith Oval, Macarthur Road, Parkville Sat 1 August 2015 Saturday morning 1st August started with heavy rain setting expectations for a cold, wet and muddy day for rugby. And cold it was with a few of the players opting for the Vicks under the nose before taking the field. But, wet it was not with the Melbourne Uni ground and the rain gods providing dry conditions for the Senior B’s hit out with Melbourne.

There was some anticipation from the sideline with the seasoned supporters saying the ref loves to the blow the whistle and in the first minute of the game he didn’t disappoint. Two penalties in quick succession against Eltham provided fair warning to our boys that the game would be dominated by penalties in the first half. The boys settled down and forced a turn-over from the Melbourne line out. Tye seized the opportunity and broke through the defensive line in our first strong offensive move. The result of the play saw a penalty go against Melbourne for a lifting tackle within scoring range. The penalty was converted and Eltham put points on the board within the first 5 minutes (3 – 0).

The first half was dominated by penalties on both sides; Melbourne penalised for not rolling at the breakdown (one of many for the day) and Eltham penalised for a lifting tackle. Eltham showed great structure and commitment in defence and forced the turnover. In our next attacking move Melbourne were penalised for not releasing and for a high tackle on Pierre, resulting in a yellow card to Melbourne.

An attacking scrum for Eltham created the opportunity for a text book back-line move. Eltham deployed two decoy runners and Aaron drew the defence before passing out wide to Izzy who scored the first try (8 – 0). The conversion fell well short so the scoreboard stayed unchanged.

Melbourne kicked off and Steely caught the opposition napping at half-way with a great run straight up the centre. Melbourne were penalised once again for not releasing at the breakdown and Eltham continued with some great attacking play, but were denied less than 5 metres out with an off-side penalty at the breakdown.

Melbourne worked their way up the field and started to deploy what would be one of their key tactics for the day, the rolling maul. The first of these saw Eltham penalised and a line-out for Melbourne right in front of the Eltham

supporters.

Much to my great amusement the Melbourne hooker opted for a bit of “mike, sierra, foxtrot” for his line-out calls. Something I’d expect to hear from the Cerberus or Pucka teams, not Melbourne. The hooker called for a rolling maul (whisky, tango, delta, echo…) which was stopped by the Eltham boys right in front of the supporters.

Unfortunately the hoots from the small crowd of Eltham faithful were short-lived with Eltham handed an offensive penalty for going off our feet at the ruck. Melbourne’s place-kick was very good with a line-out taken 10 metres from the line. Once again the hooker called for a rolling maul and Eltham were up to the challenge denying Melbourne and stealing the ball 5 metres out.

Eltham kicked quickly up-field and Darren (flying up the right wing) was closing in on the ball when he was tackled without it. Melbourne were handed their second yellow card for the infringement. Will came from the field with a blood bin and proceeded to bandage his head with tape, desperate to return to the game. But, the game couldn’t wait and Eltham opted to kick for touch, getting inside our 22.

The attacking line-out looked promising with the ball fed to Izzy who (stepping like Fred Astaire) took the attack up to the opposition. Unfortunately he knocked it on, forced by a great defensive effort by Melbourne.

Melbourne again worked the ball up the field with a strong line break that Pete Maddalena brought down at the defensive 22. However, the ref was playing an advantage and Melbourne again kicked beautifully to create a 5m line-out opportunity.

Photos courtesy of the Hurdle Family

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown Bs off to Semi Final after a win against Melbourne RUC 2

Eltham was up to the challenge with great defence denying Melbourne again. Eltham had caused a pile up and the ref declared that the ball was not coming out.

Melbourne then had an attacking scrum 5m out, but again the Eltham defence held firm with Pete M laying a great tackle in the 4th phase that forced the knock on.

Eltham’s attacking scrum held firm to release a clearing kick that bounced over the head of the defending Melbourne player who touched the ball giving the line-out thrown to Eltham at the half-way. We failed to throw the ball in straight, turning the ball over.

Melbourne again worked the ball up into their attacking half, but a great tackle from Will in the #21 jersey forced the turn-over. Another Eltham penalty gave Melbourne the opportunity for another line-out about 8 metres from their line. Again the hooker called for the rolling maul and this time their strategy worked, going over for their first try. They missed the conversion and the score stood at 8 – 5 at half-time.

Eltham started the second half with great defensive strength. Kayden executed a strong tackle in the opening minute that had the Melbourne team looking rattled. The whole Eltham team were solid in defence and were forcing Melbourne backward. Melbourne rushed a kick into their own player resulting in a scrum for Eltham for an accidental off-side.

While we’re not the heaviest and biggest of scrums, our technical execution in the scrum was up to the challenge, releasing our back-line for another beautifully executed play. Darren made a break up the right wing, passed to Jacob and along to Tye for his first try. Eltham up 13 – 5 with a

conversion to come.

Will slotted the conversion through the sticks to see Eltham up 15 – 5.

Melbourne kicked off and recovered the ball, but Eltham continued the strong defensive effort forcing the turnover with a great low tackle from Will and hustling defensive play from Darren. Eltham packed down in the attacking scrum, but quickly turned the ball back over with a kick straight to a Melbourne player. Kayden made a great hit in defence and again our defensive strength prevented Melbourne getting over the advantage line.

The ref had been relatively quiet in the second half, but Eltham were penalised soon after for not releasing in the tackle. Their kicker was again on fire with the ball sailing over the line just 8 metres from their try line. The hooker stepped up to the line and (you guessed it) called for the rolling maul yet again. This time though the move resulted in an offensive penalty for a truck and trailer.

The strong defensive effort (and too much wine in France) took their toll on Pierre who was blood binned with a cut above the eye. Like Will he was keen to return and another bandaged head made its way back out on the field.

Melbourne’s relentless offensive efforts eventually paid off with a try to take the score to 15 - 10. They missed the conversion and the ball was back with Eltham for the kick off.

With such a huge defensive effort for the start of the second half, Eltham were keen to get their hands on the ball and they didn’t disappoint the supporters. It was dry-weather

Photos courtesy of the Hurdle Family

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown Bs off to Semi Final after a win against Melbourne RUC 3

rugby with lots of passing through the back line. Melbourne’s #13 put a strong tackle on Tye, but Melbourne were then penalised for not releasing in the tackle and their subsequent back-chat to the referee saw them marched a further 10. Will converted the penalty to take the score to 18 – 10.

The Melbourne kick off saw the ball back in Eltham hands deep in their defensive half. Elliot was sandwiched in a strong tackle forcing a turnover and a resulting Melbourne line-out 5 metres out. The Melbourne line-out was loose, but the ref called a penalty against Eltham for a deliberate knock-on. Melbourne took the quick tap, but Eltham again denied them the try they needed with inspiring defence.

Eltham had the scrum feed, but were handed a short-arm penalty for an early push. And that started what was an arm wrestle of scrums and turn-overs on both sides. It was 2.45pm and the supporters were starting to look to the time to gauge the defence still needed to maintain our margin.

An Eltham line-out was beautifully executed providing space for a cross-field kick to take us back to half-way. Melbourne’s line out wasn’t straight and again we executed our line-out well giving Aaron the opportunity to kick the ball to within 5 metres of our line.

Again Melbourne’s hooker called for the rolling maul at the line-out and they marched Eltham back to the 22, forcing a collapsing penalty. Their kick for the line put them inside their attacking half and the Eltham team had to find the defence that they had used to great effect in the opening minutes of the second half. The

Eltham boys didn’t disappoint and Melbourne were again going backwards in attack. A long penalty advantage provided Melbourne with the opportunity to kick for the line which took them inside the 22. They again played the rolling maul,

but Eltham stayed strong holding up the maul just to the right of the posts.

Eventually the persistent Melbourne attack won out with Eltham not ready for a quick tap that followed an injury stop in play. That took the score to 18 – 15 and the Melbourne kicker missed the conversion to the right of the posts.

Eltham followed up the kick-off strongly. A good first up tackle by Kayden and strong defence caused a Melbourne knock-on and Eltham had the scrum feed just 10 metres out.

The forwards held strong and provided good ball for the backs who put it through the hands out to Darren who planted the ball over the Eltham try line. The ref and his assistant built the tension conferring over the decision, eventually awarding the try to Eltham to take us to 23 – 15. Will’s conversion attempt faded across the face of goal to leave the score unchanged.

Melbourne kicked off to Josh who took a strong mark to start the Eltham attack. Aaron had a great run, off-loaded to Darren and the resulting attacking kick was chased well by Tye who went over for his second try of the game (28 – 15). Will’s conversion kick was on target taking the score to 30 – 15 right before the final whistle sounded.

Thanks to the team of Eltham supporters who helped with my note taking for this match report, I hope it does justice to what was a fantastic game of rugby to watch dominated by strong commitment to defence and clean back-line play. Congrats and all the best for the next challenge against Cerberus next weekend. Cath Hurdle

Photos courtesy of the Hurdle Family

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown A’s Prelim Semi Final vs . Minor Premiers Geelong

Geelong RUC 26 vs 18 ERUFC A Team Flinders Peak Secondary College, Hendy Street Corio Saturday 1 August 2015

This was always going to be a tough fixture given the distance for individuals to travel, the icy breeze off Port Phillip Bay and the knowledge that Geelong’s backline deserved our grudging respect.

Almost immediately after kick off Eltham were under pressure; penalised for a knock on, then a collapsed scrum as Geelong threatened the Eltham goal line. Mikey W. salvaged the situation with an effective clearance to Marika who managed under

pressure to kick the ball away into touch. The subsequent Geelong lineout was blighted by an Eltham steal and young Josh P. then sailed up field to be thwarted by a physical response from Geelong. Their stout defence earned a penalty, and Eltham lost the ball at the subsequent lineout. An infringement by Eltham led to Geelong taking a penalty shot at goal, and the break in play enabled all to catch their breath

while the kick went wide of the posts.

The tempo of the game resumed with an Eltham forward charge down the midfield and again under pressure Mikey W. cleared the ball supported by Norton. A Geelong player was pulled down in the ensuing lineout and the subsequent penalty kick and lineout placed them midfield. Within seconds a cohort from

Geelong slid down the wing to breach the Eltham line. Fortunately they missed the tricky conversion so the score was 5-0.

The restart saw good play from both Josh G. and Josh P. and a sturdy run from Mikey G., but again Eltham were under pressure on their own 5m line. Handling errors and being pinged for offside led to repeated penalties and at almost half an hour into the game came another Geelong penalty goal. Score 8-0.

Play resumed with a cracking run from Brad and the highlight of a crunching tackle by Norton but again the lads in red, gold and black were penalised by the referee, and Geelong were granted another successful penalty attempt. (11-0).

The Eltham faithful were encouraged to see Josh P. and Mike G. get some ball time and set up Sam for a nifty front rower run. Their hard work yielded no dividends from an Eltham lineout, but Geelong were soon in trouble with the whistle, yielding a scrum to Eltham on the 50m line. Issy made good distance with the ball from the scrum but perhaps shifted too fast for the support crew and was isolated in enemy territory. The advantage was lost but the half did conclude with a scrum just 10 metres from the Geelong line, and there was optimism that Eltham could still win this game.

The second half started with confident play from captain Dan and Josh G. The lads were clearly on a mission to take the

U10 Photographs courtesy of Andy Brown A’s Prelim Semi Final vs Minor Premiers Geelong 2

game to the opposition. Unfortunately a knock-on by Eltham led to another call of “8 man shove” by Geelong, and the same call to arms was plainly heard yet again as Eltham conceded another penalty and Geelong opted for a scrum. Fortunes

changed, though, as just 10 metres from the Geelong line, Eltham was awarded a penalty for Geelong being offside. Relishing his opportunity Norton punted the ball through the posts for Eltham’s first reply to the Rams. Score 11-3.

The game resumed with the fresh legs of Tank, Riley and Nik invigorating the team. Clearly though, the Ref was unhappy with an element of our game and had words with captain Dan, and Geelong were awarded a free kick, followed smartly by a penalty in front of the posts. Score 14-3

Mikey G. conceded a penalty in the next passage of play for “an innocent but enthusiastic collision”, but fortunately a Geelong infringement soon returned the ball to Eltham who executed the kick and lineout well enough for Issy the speedster to make another break. Faced with a phalanx of

Geelong players it was impossible to retain the ball and Geelong grabbed it to run in a well-executed try. Fortunately for Eltham it was not an easy kick so the score edged up to 19-3.

An offside Geelong enabled Norton to score another 3 points, and Geelong were further penalised for not throwing straight in a lineout. Eltham won the resultant scrum and were later awarded a tantalising line-out for an opposition knock-on just 10 metres from the Geelong line. Sadly play turned against us

and that daunting Geelong backline scored another try and a conversation to secure the game. (Score 26-6).

It has to be said that Eltham then went into a passage of play

that was a remarkable insight into the team’s character—they dug deep, camped on the Geelong line and clearly decided that they were going to own the rest of the game. At the head of this insurrection was club treasurer Tom, and Dan, as the forwards forced Geelong into multiple lapses of discipline. Two of their players were yellow-carded after repeated team infringements. Persistence paid off with Tom rumbling over the line, and Norton notching up two more points for the conversion. After such a physical passage of play you might think it was all over, but a bullocking run by Nik, supported by Tom, Mikey G. and Mike W., led to a Josh Paver try. Norton was unlucky with the conversion but the scoreline was lifted to a more respectable 26-18.

We look forward to the rematch at Box Hill; however, to achieve this, Eltham must beat Kiwi Hawthorne at Harlequins this Saturday. Please lend your support to this hard working team and it’s many volunteers. Ange

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Dates for your diary:

Date Day Time Description Location Comment

6-Aug Thu 18:30

Senior Training ERUFC U6, U8, U10 & Senior training

Social Evening ERUFC Clubhouse Mexican Supper! Senior Dinner Tickets on sale!

8-Aug Sat

Senior Semi Finals

12:30

B Grade away vs Cerberus Harlequins RUC., Ashwood Reserve, Power Ave., Ashwood (Melways 60 H12)

Good luck guys! 14:00

A Grade away vs Kiwi Hawthorne

Juniors Round 12

9:00 U6 home vs. Box Hill

ERUFC

9:00 U8 home vs. Melbourne Green

9:00 U10 home vs. Melbourne Green

9:45 U12 away vs. S. Districts Southern Districts, Riviera Park, Eel Race Road, Seaford (Melways 97 F10)

9:45 U14 away vs. Northerns Northern RUC., C H Sullivan Reserve, Blake Street, Reservoir. (Melways 19 D()

10:40 U16 home vs. Box Hill ERUFC

10:40 U18 away vs. Shepparton Shepparton RUC, Vibert Res., 290-300 Archer Street, Shepparton (Melways 60 H12)

8-Aug 20:00 Wallabies vs. All Blacks ANZ Stadium, Sydney

10-Aug Mon

18:30 Junior Training ERUFC U10, U12 , U14, U16 & U18 training

20:00 Committee Meeting Agenda Items to Secretary@elthamrugby.com.au

11-Aug Tue 18:30 Senior Training ERUFC Seniors contact seniorteam@elthamrugby.com.au

12-Aug Wed 18:30 Junior Training ERUFC U12 , U14, U16 & U18 training

13-Aug Thu 18:30

Senior Training ERUFC U6, U8, U10 & Senior training

Social Evening ERUFC Clubhouse

15-Aug Sat

Senior Grand Finals

13:30 B Grade tba

15:10 A Grade tba

No Junior Games

All Blacks vs. Wallabies Eden Park, Auckland RWC Group Game